"IAPAC's contribution makes a big difference to my 2006 re-election campaign. IAPAC's support ensures that I will be able to run a strong campaign for re-election and hopefully return to the Senate to address the many and important concerns of the American People."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy has represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate since he was first elected in 1962 to finish the term of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Since then, he has been re-elected seven times, and is now the second most senior member of the Senate. Kennedy serves on the Judiciary Committee, where he is the Ranking Democrat on the Immigration, Border Security, and Citizenship Subcommittee.

Kennedy is a strong proponent of immigrant rights and civil liberties. Kennedy co-authored an amendment to the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which cut the funding for the controversial National Security Entry-Exit Program (NSEERS). The program required non-immigrant male citizens and/or nationals from 25 countries, including Iranian nationals, to report to local INS offices in order to be "voluntarily" questioned, photographed and fingerprinted. A supporter of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Kennedy is a sponsor of Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2006 (S.1033).

A regular guest speaker at IAPAC functions, Kennedy often expresses his admiration for the Persian heritage and of the strength of the Iranian American community. “Those of us who have had the opportunity to visit Iran and befriend Iranian Americans here understand the source of your pride and the tremendous contributions you make to our country. You must become involved and stay involved to ensure that your voice is heard.”